Owens Announces $7,171,000 in Funding for Hi-Lite Airfield Services
Press Release
Today, Representative Bill Owens announced Hi-Lite Airfield Services will receive more than $7.1 million in loans through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development program. The company will use the funds to create between eight and 10 new jobs and purchase new equipment.
"These loans are smart investments that will create jobs and help grow the local economy," Rep. Bill Owens said. "This company's story shows why investing in small businesses is one of the best ways the government help the private sector. I look forward to working with Hi-Lite as the company grows. "
Hi-Lite is the leading Airport Runway and Taxiway Marking contractor in North America. The company started in 1989 as a highway striping contractor. The company's founders expanded from highways to airports in the late 1990's. In 2006 it opened an office in Canada. Today, the company marks runways, removes rubber from airstrips and prepares and maintains runway surfaces. Rep. Owens visited Hi-Lite in August 2011.
"With this loan, we expect we will be able to create between eight and 10 local jobs in the course of the next year," Hi-Lite's CEO John McNeely said. "We will also be able to purchase two large water blasters and other equipment that will help us paint and prepare runways globally."
Hi-Lite's current owners are as follows: Richard and Linda McNeely, Calvin and Rhonda McNeely, and John McNeely. With the funding they will be able to continue operating the business from Adams Center, NY.
"We take pride in our Northern New York roots," Calvin McNeely said.
The loans Hi-Lite is receiving are part of the USDA's Rural Development-Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan program. According to the USDA, the purpose of this type of loan program is: "to improve, develop, or finance business, industry, and employment and improve the economic and environmental climate in rural communities." More information on this program can be found by visiting: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_gar.html.
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